Biological Activities of Aggregated Gamma Globulin I. Skin Reactive and Complement-Fixing Properties of Heat Denatured Gamma Globulin.

Abstract

1. Aggregated human gamma globulin, obtained by heating, gave immediate skin reactions in normal guinea pigs and inactivated complement, whereas aggregated bovine gamma globulin did not have either activity. 2. Aggregated human gamma globulin and antigen-antibody complexes are comparable on weight basis with respect to skin reactivity and complement inactivation. 3. Divalent cation(s) are required for inactivation of complement by aggregated HGG. Inactivation of C'3 by aggregated HGG is markedly dependent upon temperature. 4. A tentative hypothesis concerning the mechanism of complement fixation by antigen-antibody reaction is presented.